By Editor
April 28 2003

Lancashire suffered their first defeat of the season as they crashed to a 45 run defeat against Northants Steelbacks at Old Trafford in a rain-affected match. After play was delayed until after 2pm and the match reduced to 37 overs per side, Northants won the toss and batted. After Kyle Hogg dismissed Mark Powell with the score on 44, skipper Mike Hussey (84 not out) and Phil Jaques (65) put on 152 for the second wicket before Jaques was run out after the final ball of the innings.

Although looking promising at 105-2, the dismissals of Mal Loye, Stuart Law and Andrew Flintoff saw the Lightning fall well short in the run chase. Mark Chilton top scored with 35 from 51 balls.

Graeme Swann, brother of Lancashire's Alec who was left out of the home sides eleven, finished with 3-15 from 5 overs.